Page 53 - The Wish Stream Year of 2022 CREST

passed in the blink of an eye, as did the next nine; before long we were heading on leave.
Before I knew it, I was standing in New College ready to tackle the next two terms. Although Sandhurst remained the same, my platoon had changed and along with a new platoon com- mander, we would be commanding 6 platoon, Inkerman Company. This change is purposeful, so that OCdts get to see different styles of lead- ership. The next two terms would develop the OCdts own style, identify which one they most suited, but also show them the need for a differ- ent style in various situations.
I would also be switching my style. The very early stages on Junior Term are very much about transactional leadership with bouts of trans- formational leadership. I had already decided I would adopt a more transformational style for the next two terms and would give OCdts mini- mal information (for tasks) to ensure they were confident in asking questions and coming to their own solutions to problems. I would also aim to ensure that the importance of the team was recognised, and that they were competent with the Army Leadership Code.
6 Platoon responded well to the techniques I tri- alled throughout and actively sought responsibil- ity. If I’m honest I was impressed and at times felt like a spare part, until I received random midnight phone calls with what I would consider ‘trivial’ questions. The platoon was also performing strongly, currently 2nd in the Sovereign’s Ban- ner competition and pushing hard for 1st place with two events left. The Sovereign’s Banner is a competition between six platoons competing to be rated the best overall platoon over three terms with a broad range of military skills, nearly all incorporating teamwork. They were also per- forming strongly in the field. I incorporated the
‘levels of Paratrooper’ to keep them motivated - a story for another day – but I found it worked and resonated with the OCdts. A personal high- light was the platoon finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd on Wingate’s Patrol, a one-day round robin of military skills with 18 teams competing.
April 2022: the terms had come to an end, after successfully navigating the drill square for the third and final time – no mean feat for a Para- trooper – my time as a college CSgt had come to an end.
My final term would be spent in the Intermediate Term in the DCCW and cover the hateful eight again.
I had thoroughly enjoyed my time as a CSgt at Sandhurst. It can, at times, be fast paced and relentless in its workload. Being surrounded by OCdts who watch your every move, the chain of command that supports you and your peers (who are as motivated and dedicated as you) makes for a brilliant work environment and never lets you forget your responsibilities to deliver the right people to commission into the British Army.
A special thank you must go to all the families of instructors and OCdts at RMAS. Without the behind-the-scenes support we receive, our jobs would be a lot harder, and I know from personal experience the strain felt by one person normally doesn’t stop with that person, it is felt by those around us.
On reflection, as much as I had taught OCdts foundations that will hopefully set them up for future success, they had taught me a lot about myself and where in a ‘forward thinking army’ I need to develop. I gained a better understand- ing of feminism and what it actual meant to be a feminist, as pointed out by one of my OCdts: “Shouldn’t we all be feminist?” I also learnt a lot more about the generation of today; being ‘in touch’ with emotions and openly discuss- ing issues. This is nothing but a good thing and something at first, I wasn’t used to. Whilst I con- sider myself approachable and empathetic, my body language and reactions sometimes don’t express my emotive side. These are just a small number of the areas in which I have grown, and I will keep embracing change and look to adjust more, to suit the needs of today’s soldiers and officers. I know this is key for the Army to keep moving forward as a highly regarded profes- sional organisation. Fail, Learn, Win!
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